Everton completed the signing of teenage defender John Stones from Barnsley on a five-and-a-half-year deal shortly before the transfer deadline.

The 18-year-old right-back passed a medical, agreed personal terms and penned his contract after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

He told evertonfc.com: "I am very excited to be joining Everton. I've been very impressed with everything I have seen at Finch Farm already. Now the hard work begins."

The 6ft 2in England Under-19 international made his Tykes debut last March after progressing through the youth ranks at Oakwell.

He featured 28 times for the npower Championship club, netting his first goal in the 4-3 Capital One Cup triumph over Rochdale in August.

Stones added on barnsleyfc.co.uk: "I would like to take this opportunity of thanking everybody at Barnsley for helping me in my development.

"They include Ronnie Branson and all the academy staff; Keith Hill and David Flitcroft for giving me the chance to play first-team football. Also all the backroom staff such as Guy Proctor, John Lucas and Craig Sedgwick.

"They are just some of the people who I owe a debt of gratitude to and I wish Barnsley every success for the future."

till I suppose it still gives him at least another year in the job. By the time it comes around , he can always make up another excuse. First it was 3 months , then a year .....Next year ? Whats his excuse with Van Persie ?